Effective ways to stop nuisance calls

How to stop nuisance calls

Recent Uswitch research revealed that one in four (23%) 18 to 34-year-olds confess they never answer the phone these days, citing scam and spam calls as the top concern (63% of those surveyed).

Want to stop getting nuisance calls? We’re here to help. Here are several things you can do to block nuisance calls and texts:

Be cautious with your personal information

Prevention is always better than a cure, especially for nuisance calls.

Perhaps the best way to avoid unwanted calls is to carefully examine the checkboxes you're asked to tick when you buy something or sign up for a newsletter.

Sometimes ticking that box gives the service provider freedom to share your details with any number of other companies, who then share your details again, with even more telephone sales companies.

If you want to make absolutely sure you don't get these calls, you’ll have to read the privacy policy and look at who exactly you're giving permission to contact you. If the small print mentions 'trusted parties' or 'third parties', you're allowing the company to pass on your details at will.

Blocking nuisance calls on mobile phones

Most of us will be used to getting junk calls on our mobiles. But as phishing scams become more sophisticated, it's a good idea to block nuisance calls before they even have the chance to cost you time and money.

To stop getting nuisance calls, there are a couple of things you can do, from changing the settings on your phone to downloading free apps. We’ll let you know how to do this and what the best apps are. 

Blocking nuisance calls on landlines

We’ve also got some useful tips on how to stop nuisance calls on your landline. Toward the bottom of this page, we’ll discuss how to contact the Telephone Preference Service, blocker phones, anti-nuisance call measures, and even how to make a complaint. 

Change smartphone settings to stop junk calls

Whether you have an iPhone or an Android smartphone, you can block numbers through the settings on your phone.

iPhone

It’s easy to stop persistent nuisance callers on all current iPhones. Just find the number you want to block from your list of recent callers. Hit the ‘i’ symbol beside it and select ‘Block this caller’ to stop this number from calling or texting you.

You can manage blocked numbers by going to your phone’s Settings app and tapping Apps, then Phone, and then Blocked Contacts. You'll then be able to see a list of all the numbers you’ve previously blocked on that iPhone.

Android

Android users can block numbers in the call log. Simply select the number of the nuisance caller and hit the ‘More’ or the '3 dots' symbol in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

You'll then be able to add the number to your reject list, which should stop the nuisance calls and texts.

Alternatively, you'll see an option to block a number when you hang up.

Stop spam text messages

In addition to nuisance calls, companies are increasingly sending junk texts in the hope of getting a response.

Although they may seem equally annoying, there’s a big difference between spam and legitimate marketing texts.

Marketing texts from reputable companies are usually sent to customers who have opted in to receive promotional information.

It’s possible you signed up for this by accident, and if so, you should be able to unsubscribe on the company’s official website. Some legitimate companies may give you the option of unsubscribing by texting the word STOP.

However, if you’re not sure whether the company is legit, don’t reply! Don’t even text back with STOP. That will confirm that your number is in use, so they will keep spamming you. They could also sell your number to injury claim specialists, PPI firms, or other companies that may bombard you with unsolicited calls and texts. Make sure you don't click on any links within the text, either.

You can report spam messages to 7726, which spells out SPAM on traditional mobile phone pads.

If caught, spammers can face hefty fines, although they change their details so regularly that very few are ever caught.

You can help limit the number of spam texts you get by only giving out your mobile number when absolutely necessary, using a landline number where possible, and not listing your number online.

There are also apps you can download that will block spam numbers from messaging you.

Download an app to block nuisance numbers

While you can block individual numbers in your phone settings, there are plenty of free apps out there that will give you more control over who contacts you on your mobile phone. 

Here are some of our favourites:

Hiya

Formerly known as Whitepages, Hiya identifies more than 400 million nuisance calls every month. The app is easy to use and helps you identify the calls you want to pick up while automatically blocking the ones you want to avoid.

Hiya compares incoming calls and texts from unknown numbers with the app’s vast database. The information about the number will then show alongside the incoming call or message, so you can choose whether or not to accept the phone call.

Hiya will also check the content of texts for any malware and viruses to help keep your device safe. You can download Hiya on the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.

Mr Number

Mr Number is a straightforward call blocker that can pinpoint and block specific numbers, as well as block calls based on area codes.

You can block individual numbers, all unknown contacts, or all phone numbers beginning with certain digits, such as all 0800 numbers. To download the Mr Number app, you can go to the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.

Truecaller

Truecaller uses a large, community-powered spam list created by the combined effort of more than 200 million users from all around the world.

This means the app has a match for nearly any number, so it can almost always tell you who’s calling.

You can also search through Truecaller’s extensive database, so if you’re getting nuisance calls on your home phone, you can use the app to check which company keeps bugging you.

You can get Truecaller on your iPhone or Android phone.

YouMail Visual Voicemail

Most solutions to nuisance numbers will still allow blocked numbers to leave you a voicemail.

If you’re getting constantly harassed, YouMail Visual Voicemail might be a good way to go. It lets you permanently block numbers, preventing them from contacting you in any way.

It will even inform nuisance callers that your number is no longer in service. This will get your name permanently removed from telemarketers’ call lists. You can download the app onto your Android or iPhone.

Contact the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

This is a completely free service that allows you to opt out of unsolicited calls entirely – on paper, at least. In practice, unwanted calls still find a way through. But it's still a smart step to take.

To register your mobile or landline number, call 0845 070 0707. Alternatively, from a mobile, text "TPS" and your email address to 78070. You'll know you've been successful in signing up if you receive a text reply from TPS.

There may be a charge for the text on some networks; however, for most users, the text should be included within their bundle.

The bar takes 28 days to come into effect, so you won't see an immediate reduction in calls. Find out more here: Telephone Preference Service.

Consider BT's Nuisance Call Blocker phones

BT sells home phones that feature nuisance call-blocking technology, which can shield users from up to 100% of unwanted calls. As well as calls from international and withheld numbers, it allows you to bar unknown callers, too. Keep in mind this claim is 'up to', which means it isn't guaranteed to block all nuisance calls. Still, it can help cut down on unwanted calls if you use the correct settings.

Use your telephone provider's anti-nuisance call measures

Many providers now go the extra mile to clamp down on unsolicited calls to your landline.

TalkTalk's free Last Caller Barring feature lets you block the last number that called you or input numbers that you'd like barred.

BT's Caller Display option, which is free for all BT customers, is also useful. This lets you see the number of the person who's calling you, so you can decide whether to take the call.

Virgin Media operates a special Nuisance Calls Bureau that gives helpful advice on tackling unsolicited calls. You can get in touch with them on 0800 953 3333.

Go ex-directory

Although getting your landline removed from the phone book used to be something only the upper crust would consider, it's now fairly standard. Going ex-directory is a very sensible way for people to avoid getting harassed by nuisance calls on their landline. At the very least, it will enable fewer telesales companies to get hold of your number.

Ask where they got your number

Sometimes, if you're lucky, the rep will tell you how they got the number. From that, you may be able to work out why you're being bothered with calls and take steps to put a stop to it.

Register the number and make a complaint

The next time you get a nuisance call, take note of the time of the call, the company and the number. If you’re not sure of this, use 1471. You can then use these to lodge a complaint with the telecoms regulator Ofcom.

What is Ofcom doing to help stop nuisance calls?

UK communications regulator Ofcom joined forces with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in 2021 to create a new plan to tackle scam and nuisance calls. This was a response to the increase of scam calls during Covid-19.

The ICO took responsibility for dealing with marketing calls, emails and nuisance text messages. It claimed it would take action against companies that were found to be in breach of rules relating to nuisance communication.

Ofcom pledged to tackle silent callers and abandoned phone calls, as well as offer general advice to consumers.